6 minute read
Holidays in the News Advertiser
Heritage House Christmas Tea Fundraiser
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
There were 75 attendees at this event which was nestled in fun and fellowship with a door prize, raffle
prizes, 50/50 draw, tea and coffee, and lemon and strawberry shortcake on Dec. 6. Recreation Aide Kristen Gusnowski explained, “We hosted
this event to raise funds for our Residents and Family Council. A large part of the proceeds will be used for outdoor annual flowers, and for the flowers on the tables we used for the tea recreation project as well as Christmas gifts for residents and entertainment.”
Jo-Anne Fried, President of Resident and Family Council, said they do not want to disclose how much funds were generated but from the spring tea and the Christmas tea, they made a generous amount of money which will meet all their requirements for what they need to purchase.
Creative Xmas
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
A Christmas Art and Craft Fair was offered on Dec. 8, 9 and 10 at Vegreville Elks Hall.
Rose Woycheshyn and Jocelyn Hryniw coordinated this event that had a total of 18 vendors.
“This was our best sale ever because I believe people are starting to know about this fair. We sold the most that we ever did. We had a few new vendors. People gave us so many compliments on how nice it looked and how easy it was to shop. They really like that no one was sitting at a table and they were very comfortable walking around looking at the items and visiting.
We had something for everybody. It was the vendors who really made it a success; people are just talented and very creative here. A handcrafted gift means more because it is created from the heart,” said Woycheshyn.
Hryniw commented that they had close to 200 people attend.
Waiting for Christmas
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Vegreville Alliance Church (VAC) presented this musical on December 8, 9, and 10. This production included new and traditional Christmas songs, a narrative of Jesus’ birth, enveloped with a small skit about a young girl writing a letter to her grandmother while she waited to visit her.
Director Joan James said they started practicing weekly in September. “We have a lot of fun singing together. We start learning a few of the songs and then we put them together and we incorporate the acting in as well. Usually, our actors work separately but this time, there wasn’t a huge part of acting involved. I wasn’t able to find a musical with much acting in it this year.
Most people who participate say that the best part about taking part in this is it tells the story of Christmas and Christmas is such a huge part of all our lives as Christians. It is about Christ coming and family and friends getting together to celebrate His birth.”
A first-time choir member Gabriel Perepeletza mentioned that she enjoyed being a part of it. “I had fun performing. I got to know a lot of nice people. I liked everything about it.”
Attendee Brittany Topechka said this was her first time attending. “I liked how the choir sang beautifully. There were songs I recognized and some that were new to me. It was simple but very nice.”
Lead Pastor Darren Driedger stated Christmas is a season for waiting. “When we get to be an adult, something within our hearts waits for peace, hope, joy, and love. There is only one person who can bring all of that out, and that is Jesus. The Christmas story that we are so familiar with, that we read every Christmas, and that we have in our homes is more than a feel-good bible story. It is the story of God fulfilling His promises. God promised that a babe was coming and that a Messiah was coming to earth and that day came and God continues to promise that a day is coming when everything wrong will be made right.”
Myrnam Fire Department Hosts Truck Parade
The Myrnam Fire Department gave Santa Claus a trip around town on Dec. 2 to bring smiles and brighten spirits of residents. They even made a special stop at Eagle View Lodge to visit the seniors. (Myrnam Fire Department/Submitted Photos)
A Showcase of Jesus’ Birth
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The Second Annual Community Nativity Festival was offered at Vegreville United Church on Dec. 1 and 2. This event was co-sponsored by St. Mary’s the Virgin Anglican Church and Vegreville United Church.
Rev. Laureta Blondin explained, “There were more than 200 nativities that also included posters, quilts, decorative wall plates, and wall picture hangings. There were even a few nativities that were child-friendly.
The angels' display was added because some of the event planners thought they would be a nice addition and something a little different from last year’s event.
One of the highlights was the presence of Mrs. Claus (Mrs. Janet Hopchin) who was handing out candy canes to everyone.
Another highlight was that we had visitors come from as far away as Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Mannville, Two Hills and Bruce to see the displays.”
Carol singing was led by Lisa Topilko and Jim Bragg on Dec. 1 and was led by Ellen Johnstone and Rev. Blondin on Dec. 2.
Michelle Pinon
News Advertiser Members of the Two Hills Fire Department, Medavie EMS Services and members of the 2024 Two Hills School graduating class participated in the annual emergency services Santa Claus Food Drive the evening of Dec. 10. Two Hills Fire Chief Marj Skoropadyk said they managed to collect 400 kilograms of non-perishable food, unwrapped toys and cash donations during the charity drive. All of the items go to Two Hills Family & Community Support Services that supplies Christmas hampers to community members who are in need of assistance.
